Kim Yong-pan "Democratic Party, Targeting Opposition Aides... Proposes 'Anti-Discrimination' Bill"

Kim Yong-pan, member of the United Future Party

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Yong-pan, a member of the Future United Party, on the 19th, introduced a bill to partially amend the National Public Officials Act to prohibit unreasonable discrimination against public officials based on ideology or political opinions.

This law adds "ideology or political opinions" to the anti-discrimination clause and stipulates that anyone who obstructs or coerces the reporting of illegal or unfair personnel administration shall be subject to imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won.

This proposal follows the recent controversy over the Democratic Party's investigation of opposition party aides. Earlier this month, the Democratic Party sent an official document to its affiliated lawmakers' offices, instructing them to submit a list including the names, contact information, opposition party experience, and party membership status of all aides.

Rep. Kim explained the background of the bill, saying, "In the early days of the Moon administration, under the pretext of clearing out deep-rooted evils, public officials involved in projects such as the Four Major Rivers Project and the approval of the Second Lotte World Tower during the previous administration faced prosecution or disadvantages in personnel matters, enduring hardships. Targeting aides with expertise as objects of clearing out deep-rooted evils is a wrongful act by the Democratic Party."

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